For example, if you normally wear a size medium shirt or sweater, look for size large jackets. Be sure to consider the style of the jacket when deciding what size to get. Some jacket styles are meant to fit closer to your body than others. For example, a sleek leather jacket will look better if it’s somewhat snug, while an oversized puffer jacket will look best if it’s loose. The bigger you go, the easier it is to layer clothing under your jacket. [3] X Expert Source Taissha G. LaReauWardrobe Consultant & Stylist Expert Interview. 31 January 2022.

You could also try on the jacket over a blazer, vest, or other item that you plan to wear with it.

If it’s difficult to move or if the jacket looks puckered or stretched in these positions, you might want to try on the next size up.

Avoid jackets that have a shorter hemline than this. However, if the sleeve goes past the base of your thumb, you can always have the sleeves tailored to a more comfortable length.

Some styles to avoid if you’re petite include long parkas, trench coats, and knee-length jackets.

For example, if customers who bought the jacket commented that it was tighter than they expected, then you may want to get the next size up. If they commented that the jacket was longer than expected and you’re concerned about length, then you might want to opt for the petite size.

For example, to get your chest measurement, wrap a tape measure around the widest part of your chest and record the measurement in inches or centimeters (depending on what the manufacturer uses). Measure the narrowest part of your waist in the same way.

For example, if you have a chest measurement of 38 in (97 cm) and a waist measurement of 30 in (76 cm), opt for a jacket in this size. If you’re a size large and you want the jacket to fit you loosely, opt for an extra-large instead.